Sam Allardyce backs Trent Alexander-Arnold for Liverpool return after Real Madrid struggles

Sam Allardyce believes Liverpool should consider bringing Trent Alexander-Arnold back to Anfield if the defender continues struggling for regular football at Real Madrid.

Alexander-Arnold left his boyhood club last summer after his contract expired, with Real paying €10million (£8.6m) to register him early for the Club World Cup.

However, his first season in Spain proved difficult. Injuries restricted his opportunities during a trophyless campaign, and his route into the team has become even more complicated under José Mourinho following the arrival of Denzel Dumfries.

With Liverpool experiencing their own problems at right-back under Andoni Iraola, Allardyce believes a reunion could make sense.

Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Allardyce argued that Alexander-Arnold remains in his prime at 27 and could return from Madrid as a more experienced player.

“If he is going to be a Real Madrid player, then this season he needs to be playing more than ever,” Allardyce said. “If not, he should come back to the Premier League – Liverpool could do with him back.”

Liverpool have searched for solutions on the right side of their defence, with Iraola recently deploying Ronald Araujo there.

Alexander-Arnold would offer something very different, particularly through his passing and creativity from deeper positions.

“He’s capable of opening the opposition up,” Allardyce added. “His quality on the ball and ability to open up the opposition, whether it’s with short or long passes, are massive assets.”

Alexander-Arnold's defending was regularly questioned during his Liverpool career, but Allardyce believes that criticism became excessive when the team's overall defensive performances declined under Jürgen Klopp.

“He’s not much worse than most other full-backs,” the former England manager argued.

The bigger issue now is playing time.

Dumfries has quickly established himself as Mourinho's preferred right-back, potentially leaving Alexander-Arnold facing another season without the regular football he needs.

There is no indication yet that Liverpool are actively attempting to re-sign him, but Allardyce believes the circumstances could make an Anfield return beneficial if his situation in Madrid does not improve.

Alexander-Arnold's immediate challenge is forcing his way into Mourinho's Real Madrid side ahead of Dumfries.

If regular opportunities remain limited, speculation over his future is likely to continue. For now, however, a Liverpool return remains an idea backed by Allardyce rather than evidence of an active transfer move from Anfield.